A lot of my friends couldn't get past the fact that Brokeback Mountain depicts a love affair between two men. I viewed it more in general human terms; the injustice of two people who love each other caught in hostile circumstances that prevent them from being truly happy together. It's beautiful that those two people found a deep and abiding connection, but it's horribly sad and unfair that they have to go to such extreme measures to hide it, just for the sake of living "normal" lives in their society. The end is absolutely heartbreaking, and it would be heartbreaking no matter who it happened to--two men, two women, a man and a woman, whatever. In the broad terms of love and loss, it's a story that anyone should be able to relate to on some level.

Thank you for reacting to this beautiful film. It deserved better than to be remembered as the gay cowboy film. My favourite fact about it is when Heath Ledger was asked to make a Brokeback Mountain joke during the 2007 Oscars, he refused to attend, saying "It's not a joke to me - I don't want to make any jokes about it." And I think that it's good reactors such as yourself are giving it a real chance and thus showing it to an audience in a new light. :)

This film was too good to be reduced to the butt of lazy jokes. We've come a long way even since this was made.

Right there with you. I CANNOT understand people who won't let others be happy, especially when it doesn't affect them. There just isn't ANY justification. Happier people make a happier place. YES!

There's a very subtle bit of symbolism at the end that I certainly missed the first time I saw the film: when Ennis finds the shirts that Jack kept, Jack's shirt is on the outside, "embracing" Ennis'. But when Ennis hangs the shirts up in his trailer, he has placed his shirt on the outside of Jack's.

Conversation with Anne Hathaway was AMAZING. “We was good friends”. You can see her controlling her emotions. She knows. Beautiful

It’s so interesting to see where these actors went (RIP Heath). All four leads were known as teen idols, so this was the first leap for all of them to do more mature work. Anne Hathaway wanted to be known for more than The Princess Diaries, Michelle Williams had been on Dawson’s Creek and now she’s got her another Oscar nomination for working with Spielberg, Jake Gyllenhaal was in stuff like Donnie Darko, and Heath Ledger had done movies like 10 Things I Hate About You and A Knight’s Tale. He hadn’t even done The Dark Knight yet. But yeah this movie was a big leap forward for gay content in mainstream cinema. Ang Lee made a beautiful movie.

Ang Lee is one of my favorite directors because he is masterful at letting a story breathe. I was also so glad that the film ended as it did. Hollywood wants to give us happy endings, but not every story has one. I think it is far more important to have the right ending so the story can feel truly complete. I am always grateful for films brave enough to deliver the right ending.

I’m so happy you did this one James, it’s such a beautiful film. I really loved how the cinematography of the mountains was so natural, you feel at ease in the environment and can’t wait to get back there, just like our main characters! It’s such a gorgeous way to make us relate to their love for the place. Also hell yeah!! You totally rock that cowboy hat♥️I hope you’re doing good too, catch you in the next one!

James THANK YOU for doing this film! It is beyond beautiful (and heartbreaking), and so many people don't watch it because of what they think they might see, which means they miss a movie that puts you IN Brokeback Mountain and really feel and hear all of the nature... as well as the gentle and touching (and real) moments Jake and Heath portray. Heath was very protective of the movie whenever any journalist tried to cheapen it as "just a gay movie", he would say it's a story about love/heartbreak that everyone can relate to and everyone should see.

A movie that was so unbelievably beautiful and sad at the same time. Heath's role was so heartbreaking and to watch him as the Joker, he was one of the greatest. RIP😞💔

I just watched this movie for the first time ever this past weekend. I bawled my eyes out like a baby during the last like 30 minutes or more. It was really rough to watch. But also very good. I'm glad I got to watch it.

This is a beautiful film in every respect, but I have not rewatched it since my initial viewing in the theater. It is just too painful for me personally. Even watching your edited reaction had me in tears. I'm really glad you liked it, though and thank you for your comments.

I watched this movie a few years after it came out, and I had read the short story first as part of a creative writing class. While watching the film, I sat in amazement not only at the acting but also the STUNNING screenwriting. It’s one of the best book to screen adaptations I’ve ever experienced. I’m so happy to see you watching this one!

Thank you for reacting to this film, James. Heath and Jake's performances are phenomenal, and the use of cinematography to not only give incredible picturesque landscapes, but also to portray internal processes, thoughts, and emotional states is a masterclass. I'm really glad you were able to set aside whatever you might have heard about the film in the past and react to what was onscreen - that's a tall order, considering how this film has been the subject of crude jokes and ridicule since its release (which, given how incredibly tragic it is, is not only cruel, but crass). I'm glad you allowed the story to unfold for you in an organic way, and that it resonated with you emotionally. Thank you again. Can't wait to see what's coming up next.

As a queer person, I think this movie is a great representation of the struggles we go through and the expectations people place on us just based on our genitals and sexual preferences. Thank you for this🖤

I’m a trans girl and have loved this film for a few years, I had first watched it before I had even realized I was trans and the film had really resonated with me its so beautiful. It’s been awhile since I last rewatched it but I think it’ll resonate more with more life experience with love and injustice. I want to thank you for watching the movie and I really want to thank you for the check in at the beginning. Stuff has been crazy for trans people and in my personal life and it was just nice. Thank you so much for your amazing content, it really inspires me especially with filmmaking. I hope you have an amazing day and life

To this day, this movie still moves me to tears. The sexual preference doesn't bother me at all, it's real, it's about love, betrayal, difficult circumstances, and love lost, something that many, gay or straight, can relate to. Great review and reaction brother!

Health Ledger in here lives in my head rent free😩💓

When this came out, I wasn't mature enough to give it a chance. Years later I finally watched it. So damn good. It's a beautifully tragic story.

I'm always bummed out when I remember how the beauty (visual and otherwise) of this film got, and gets, drowned out by the seemingly endless tidal wave of "haha, gay cowboys." I even tried to get on the schadenfreude train of those people missing out on all the little cool, beautiful tidbits of life, but honestly that just bummed me out further, so I stopped. I guess I'm trying to say that I like this movie, and I like you, and I wish more people liked both :P

I watched this in theaters with my girlfriend, just two queer teens excited for some representation. It was so scandalous and the theater was nearly empty. It really added to the theme of isolation and we both left a little shaken and in our heads. A beautiful film but honestly not a psychologically great one for two queer kids to watch. I'm glad that devastating and tragic queer romance isn't all that's available any more.

Hell yeah with the cowboy hat!! Any Heath Ledger performance has me floored. Cheers!

The story was a short story, so unlike most adaptations to film, they had to pad it out rather than trim it down. Single sentences in the story got whole scenes. What was amazing was how Ang Lee captured the prose. A line about Ennis looking up to the mountain and seeing Jack as a small dot moving across its face is represented. The opening sentences talk about the ever-present wind passing over the land, and it's the first thing you hear as the movie starts. It's a beautifully crafted film that touches on universal emotions, and it'll remain a classic.

I remember the sound of sniffling and nose blowing all through those end credits.

I still remember when I first watched this. I was in high school at the time. My dad needed heart surgery and we had to travel to a specific hospital. My mom and I stayed at a hotel nearby for a couple of nights. So we ordered on demand. The first night we watched King Kong which came out around the same time as this. The second was this movie because my mom wanted to watch it. What my parents didn't know was that I was gay and I knew I was since elementary school. Only one person knew and that was my best friend who is like a brother to me. Anyways, she watched it and I wanted to but I didn't want her to know. So, I would watch bits while also playing with my PSP. I remember having to hold back tears at the end of it but also just feeling uncomfortable during certain scenes. The next day after my dad's surgery went well I remember him asking if I watched Brokeback with mom laughing and just making jokes at the fact it was a gay love story. That's when I realized I'd have to keep hiding it from them for a long time. I never told my mom outright. I think she learned of it through other people, I dunno. I told my dad a couple of years after high school and when I was deep in drug addiction. I'm told him in a text during one of the many fights we use to have. I'm 32, drug free since 22, and we don't fight anymore but I pretty much don't talk to them about my personal life nor do they ever ask about it. It does suck but it is what it is.

“I wish I knew how to quit you”… breaks me every time 😢

Yooo this is my shit!!!! It cuts sooooo deep. Honestly it blows The Notebook away. Idc I’m a man and I’m proud to say Brokeback Mountain is my Shit ❤ Especially if you actually been IN love and that adventure of confusion….not understanding ur emotions but submitting to the adventures life unfolds for them in this epic journey.

Had to pause at 11:24 to cheer "at least there's no peaches," God I love a filmmaker loving The Handmaiden & calling out CMBYN.

This movie is one of the heavy hitters. It's one of those movies for me that I can only watch once. It's Beautiful. 💯😢😢😢

Always loved this movie. Heath was already one of my favorite actors when this came out and this was another role he played beautifully. RIP 💕

This film hits hard for me, harder than for most I'd imagine due to my personal experiences. The fact it wasn't taken seriously despite its serious subject matter just puts salt on the wounds. Highly recommend Monster's Ball.

Too many people made fun of this film or refused to watch it which was ridiculous. Hearing Heath Ledger defend this film just melts my heart every time! He still is my #1 favorite actor of all time and I'm going to be getting a tattoo inspired by him. What I wouldn't give to have met him back then

I hadn't ever seen Heath Ledger in anything serious until I had seen this film. His performance blew me away. This is a beautiful film.

When I first saw this and the music started up at the very end, I cried my darn eyes. Held it in fine, wasn't emotional during the movie, but the end just got me.

This is one of my favorite movies along with Blue is the warmest color an amazing french movie following a young woman’s life. I mean honestly the scene where hes clutching his jacket and when they reunite just breaks me everytime. Such a beautiful and moving film. Its a shame people dont give it a chance.

Funny story… As a teenager I worked at an independent movie theater when this came out. And I will never forget how clean the theaters were after every showing. No floods of popcorn everywhere, hardly cups in the cup holders….it was beautiful to see as an employee. But….that Oscar’s wave hit hard with independent films and it was rereleased…..and not to sound prejudice, but the respect didn’t come full circle. If you catch my drift.

One of the best tragic love stories of all time. Ang Lee is the bomb.

That was filmed near where I live in Canada. It really is that beautiful.

“At least there’s no peaches” LMAOO

It's a love story, plain and simple - some of the shots are extraordinary, the score is divine, the intimacy is breath-taking, the actors, plus Williams at their best, it goes beyond acting and its a down ending too but yet leaves you with the fact that there are broken hearts along the way but they had their moments in the sun. Anne Proulx wrote the original short story and the 2 screenwriters read it and one said he'd been waiting 50 years for this story to come along. A classic movie.

One of my favorites. If Heath Ledger were still alive, he'd be considered the greatest actor of his generation

Thank you, James! 💞 I really loved this one. My ex-husband (still friends) and I were living in an Alabama swamp in 2005. We had to drive hundreds of miles to get to Atlanta to see it at a cinema. Worth it. So beautiful on multiple levels. #JamesVsCinema #AngLee #BrokebackMountain #BrokebackMountain2005

"I hope this doesn't divulge into cheating or anything." so funny hearing you say that while knowing they're going to make out like three seconds later.

27:29 When Jack’s mother clutches at her throat when his father is talking just destroys me.

I love that you do ALL different kinds of film and take in their artistry. That’s one of the big reasons I love your channel. Only film reaction channel l’m subscribed to. From one film geek to another, James, your channel is the shit man lol it’s dope to dissect each one with you.

The music was made by Gustavo Santaolalla a argetinian musician, he won the Oscar for the music and win another Oscar for the music in the movie Babel, and he made the music for the videogame The last of us 1 and 2, saludos amigo

As a queer person I can't watch this movie without crying. It makes me so f-cking angry. It's 2023 and my girlfriend and I stopped holding hands in public because people would still spit after us, say obscene things to us and threaten us. It's so tiring.

Beautiful movie, well written and acted. Love isn’t always easy no matter your gender, sexuality or age.

23:00 what i love about this scene is that it's not just Ennis being too aggressive with his ex-wife and whatnot- it's both of them are afraid and upset at their own situations. alma was angry, scared and heartbroken to see her life fall apart and become so messy when she finds the love of her life with a man, acting more passionate than she's seen him act towards her, ruining the idea of an easy, hopeful happy family she had in mind. She was angry at Ennis and when he started to get rough, she got scared she was going to get hurt. But I can only assume what drove Ennis to get rough was fear alone. He's always been petrified of getting caught, tortured, shamed, etc- so having someone know and accuse him of it would have petrified him to his core, so not that I am justifying what he was doing or what he could've done- but I understand his reasoning, and his brain would have registered it as self-defense.

this movie, just like Monster's Ball is such a great example of something even like love can be mired in tragedy: so much of their lives are trying to hold on to the joy that they have actually being with each other, but its being torn down by the complexity and fear and anger surrounding them and all they ever wanted was to be happy with each other

So happy that you watched this king!! I’ve been binging ur videos the past couple of days (again). I love watching people that also intrested in the art of filmmaking, hope that didn’t sound too pretentious lol.

Thank you for this, great insightful stuff, as always, stay awesome and stay genuine.. much love

The juxtaposition of nature and civilization, wild and constrained, it kind of flip-flops through the whole movie, these frequent trips... but Brokeback Mountain is the only place these two can go to truly be themselves and it's seen as this beautiful pristine place, away from prying eyes (mostly). I didn't even realize that before now.

i stumbled across a review of this movie a couple days ago. i was only about 12 when the movie came out so i can remember me and my friends making the classic Brokeback jokes in middle school, after growing up and watching a few reviews I've decided to watch it and see for myself. also i work from home (so I'm always looking for new KZfaq content) and absolutely love movies, so i subbed . thanks for taking the time to make this and I'm excited to see what else you have!!

I fell in love with your reaction to this movie and just had to subscribe. You seemed so genuine and open-minded, I just had to.

Thanks for watching this brilliant film! Your reaction was lovely!

A true masterpiece! It still hurts to think that Crash beat it out for the Oscar.....worst call in the history of the film! So great to see that almost 20 yrs later, it's still reaching out touching hearts and enlightening minds.

You're one of my favorite reactor, you clearly know what you're talking about. I also love how you can see every little details, very impressive on a first watch.

The Arthur Morgan impressions had me dying, man! 🤣

✨This movie broke my heart when I first watched it! 💔✨

Love this film. Such a gut punch, especially that ending. My fave Heath performance. His work in Candy is also great.

Great movie, amazing acting and some beautiful cinematography also. Really love how he just holds the camera on their faces during those early parts of the film, and you read exactly what's going on between the two characters and all the tension. This was like "The Deer Hunter" for me; for days afterwards I was still depressed about it, couldn't get it out of my mind. Even now, I can't take hearing the music, I'm almost afraid of it! Very well done. All the stuff with the wives is incredible. I know most people think of the Joker when they think of Heath Ledger, but this is the one for me. What a performance. Jake Gyllenhall too. With a movie like this, you have to go all or nothing, there's no half-assing it. They went all the way. This movie could have been so flat with the wrong director, or the wrong actors.

What's up, James. I've discovered your channel today and, after watching a multitude of your videos, I wholeheartedly appreciate not just your expertise in cinematography, but your contribution as the individual existence that you are. It's incredible to witness and be a part of. Please continue in your greatness, man 🖤 Also, as a request since watching this particular reaction, if KZfaq will allow, could you PLEASE add Barry Jenkins' "Moonlight" to your queue of reactions? It portrays a similar story told beautifully from a different perspective of characters in their lives that very much is a portrayal of real life experience such as this film....and I'm certain there are dope elements within its cinema you'll take note of! Thank you. All the love from Charlotte, NC. You've got yourself a new subscriber for sure 👑👍🏾

Perfect storm of extreme beauty colliding with despair, loneliness, and a dream that could not be. Easily in the top 10 of all films ever made and Heath Ledger's Ennis Del Mar is one of the most iconic, laconic loners ever on screen.

this movie is so well done. its so beautifully shot. the timing is so good. and the acting is excellent. heath was a great actor, what a loss. this movie deserves all its hype.

IVE BEEN WAITING YEARS FOR A REACTION TO THIS BEAAAUUUTIFUL MOVIE. HEATH IS FOREVER MY FAV ACTOR. 💜💜💜💜💜💜💜

Damn I'm crying just watching your reaction!!! I haven't watched this movie in years but it puts me in a sad mood for a long time after watching... such phenomenal acting. The story is heartbreaking

IMPOSSIBLE not to tear up at the end. The perfect show don't tell.

Ang Lee. That's all I need to know. And on a side note, wonderful commentary during this viewing, James.

Thank you for being respectful of this, from one black man to another.

one of the saddest films i've ever watched, love hurts.

11 days ago?! Just so happens I look for Brokeback mountain reactions and a reactor I know reacts to Brokeback mountain 11 days ago! How lucky

Painfully wonderful film. And you said "cinematography" so many times that I couldn't keep up! But you were right.

I love this movie, I also read the story is based on, but I can't watch it, it breacks my heart every time. Amazing performances, Ang Lee is a great director, love his movies.

Your hair looks pretty cool with a cowboy hat.

Gustavo Santaolallas soundtrack to this day is still hauntingly beautiful

Colorado, Wyoming and Montana are my favorite places to visit. Lived in Colorado for 10 years. Something about being out West still feels like anything is possible. Miss being out there.

The one thing that saddens me about watching reactions to this movie, is that everyone says Jack’s death was just imagined by Ennis. It would have transpired exactly as depicted, but worse. In the 80’s murdering gay people was something of a sport.

And Lee is a master, and this was a devastating story. Enjoyed your reaction and insights. Peace from Ohio …

I got to hand it to these actors that challenge themselves in their profession. I’m sure it bothered some people because of their own ignorance and insecurities, but it was touching and sad movie.

I cried a river 2 times in theater : 1rs was Madison Bridge, 2nd was this one. All I ever saw was a heartbreaking love story.

Two of the best performances ever

One of my all time favorite western

Excellent comments of a groundbreaking and classic movie.

One thing I love about this film is how true it is to Annie Proulx's short story It doesn't deviate at all.

The emotions in this movie are so intense

I like that you mentioned being 'blipped out of existence' during a shot of Linda Cardelini (who played Clint Barton/Hawkeye's wife who blipped away in Avengers)

One of my all time favorite movies 🎬

That Arthur Morgan impression is not too shabby! haha Also, the composer of this movie, Gustavo Santaolalla, also composed music for The Last of Us games (and the show)! He won an Oscar for his work on this movie and Babel.

Love what you said, "don't live your life with regrets"

.Thank you for reacting to this.!

The world is crazy, but I've been eating some good home cooked food, relaxing, and exercising. Trying to stay chill in this crazy, crazy world.

Michelle Williams is just next level in everything she does.

Beautifully directed and filmed.

💙💚💛🧡❤️ LIVE YOUR TRUTH, BE YOURSELF AND LOVE ONE ANOTHER.

Right when I said I wanted to watch this movie, you react to it lol!

This is one of my favorite movies. Its upsetting that i have no one to talk about it with because they all think its a joke about gay guys.

Yo, landscape is always landscaping. Every now and again people pay attention and appreciate it. But it is always there, being beautiful even if no one sees it or appreciates it.